Red Lions devour Blazers; stay on top

San Beda turned to its tight defense as it walloped College of St. Benilde, 82-64, yesterday to remain on top at the start of the second round eliminations of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Still reeling from a 73-79 loss over Jose Rizal University at the end of the first round, the Red Lions came back with their usual fiery game to improve their win-loss record to 9-1.

Donald Tankoua torched the basket by scoring all his 17 points in the second half while grabbing 11 rebounds as San Beda forced St. Benilde to commit a season-worst 38 turnovers and convert it to 24 points.

The Blazers absorbed their 10th consecutive defeat since the start of the season, failing to capitalize their hot start where they lead 20-14 at the end of the first quarter.

Davon Potts also delivered the kill for the Red Lions with 15 points and five boards, while Dan Sara chipped in 11 markers in 19 points of action.

St. Benilde lost its steam in the second period where the Blazers were limited to only nine points as San Beda grabbed the 33-29 upperhand at halftime.

“It’s more on gigil and more on St. Benilde playing really well,” said San Beda Coach Jamike Jarin, referring to his team’s slow start. “We needed 20 minutes to wake up pa.”

In the other game, Arellano University escaped San Sebastian’s persistent rallies with an 89-84 victory to stay at second place with an 8-2 slate.

Jio Jalalon sizzled with a double-double effort of season-high 33 points and 10 assists for the Chiefs, who pulled from a slim 76-75 lead late in the game en route to the win.